Anti-Smog is a prototype project envisioned for a post-industrial area of Paris that aims to invent a new architecture — auto-sufficient, depolluting architecture, reactive to its environment. The Vincent Callebaut Architectures prototype relies heavily on building-integrated, green innovation such as vertical axis wind turbines, rooftop solar panels, and living walls and greenery. The result is a design that not only borders on positive energy as a self-sufficient structure, but one that moves into a refreshing realm of natural architecture that can clean and replenish the surrounding air.

The Solar Drop building, almost spaceship or UFO-esque, perches atop an old, unused railway. Solar Drop has a 250 m2 photovoltaic roof to capture solar energy, and the entire building is covered in titanium dioxide (TiO2) that reacts to the solar rays to reduce air pollution. Further, the two planted arches over the ellipses harvest rainwater for use in the building. The interior is absolutely flooded with natural light, too.

The Wind Tower building features an ostensible latticework of greenery and vertical axis wind turbines. The design calls upon the use of about 50 wind turbines that capture wind and generate energy for the project. Also, the apex of the Wind Tower building features a suspended garden in the sky.

Anti-Smog is an incredible design, and in my personal opinion, if there is anything that captures and embodies the vision the two words "jetson" and "green," this would be it.

Definitely an interesting concept. It seems liks it’s a real project(??), and not just computer generated images of what “could be”?

Likely a minor detail, but I’d be curious as to what type of plant would buildings like these use? And, what are the downsides of having plans grow vertically on a building. Like anything new, we need balance and to weigh the benefits vs the downside.

However, if this new architecture can work, it’ll be great to see a modern world trying to blend in with Mother Nature. Kind of like a modern “tree house!”
-Mike

http://www.jetsongreen.com Preston

@mike – we’re seeing a growing number of projects with vertical greenery, and I think the plant choice differs based on the location.

My reading of the information on this Anti-Smog architecture is that it’s mainly a didactic approach using a real-life location to illustrate future possibilities. I’ll dig deeper to determine whether it’s gonna happen for real, though. Might need some french tranlation – :).

http://profile.typekey.com/miked918/ Mike Driehorst

Preston: Interesting that there are no U.S. green-architectural projects planned (at least none I found during a quick search).
-Mike

Maurice

love how the architect has been able to merge the greenery with the structure its such an inspiration to me as ayoung upcoming student in architecture